California’s summer of legislation has taken a sharp turn away from laws for the Golden State to how California can influence Congress. Governor Gavin Newsom signed a package of bills on Thursday that could temporarily replace the state’s independent redistricting commission with new congressional maps drawn by the Legislature itself.

The figure makes plain how a gerrymandering push that began in Texas but spread nationwide has energized the Democratic base.

Governor has called for a November special election to let voters decide on a new congressional map designed to flip up to five Republican-held seats.

Join Sacramento Bee reporters for a live, virtual Q&A on Gov. Gavin Newsom’s redistricting plan where we’ll answer your questions. The event will take place Thursday, Aug. 28 at noon. Reporters Lia Russell and Nicole Nixon will stream live on The Bee’s website, Youtube page, Facebook page and Instagram.

In 2021, all Republican lawmakers voted against H.R. 1, which would have required all states to establish independent redistricting commissions. But the redistricting provisions were one part of the 884-page bill, and Republicans said they opposed it for various reasons, not just because of the redistricting provision.

California Governor Gavin Newsom's redistricting ballot measure has support from a majority of the state's voters, according to a new poll.Newsweek reached out to Newsom and the California GOP for comment via email.

The Hill's Drew Petrimoulx chats with National Political Reporter Julia Manchester about California Governor Gavin Newsom's (D) state-wide efforts in the redistricting battle with the GOP-controlled assembly in Texas and to discuss whether or not Newsom can fill the void missing within the Democratic party.